I come in peace, but I’ll talk about this. This has to be addressed. Welcome to LeBron’s new nightmare. The Miami Heat is getting $hi#$ed on by the full media blitz. It’s not over. It’s never going to be over with the public onslaught. There is more to come, but no one has mentioned this particular item. I write this with full sincerity - LBJ will not win MVP ever again. This is a bold claim, but there are many reasons to see why.
Derrick Rose has agreed to a five-year, $94.8 million contract extension, and the Bulls will make the formality official at a Wednesday news conference at the Berto Center, sources told the Tribune. "It's something big," Rose said without confirming the announcement. "I'm going to talk about it more with my family there. I don't think about money. The Bulls show they trust me. I just feel blessed."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Who says the new CBA is all doom and gloom for the players?
Derrick Rose, the 2011 MVP and phenomenal point guard for the Chicago Bulls, has benefited from a new clause that rewards players for re-signing with their team.
For instance, Rose raked in an extra ten million or so because he outperformed expectations in his rookie contract and became the youngest player ever to win the MVP.
Clearly, re-upping makes sense for player and team.
Rose makes tons of cash, plies his trade in a major market, and Chicago stays positioned to challenge in the Eastern Conference for some time.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Here are the final five studs. You have to pick one because this list will not change. Take one, only one, and roll with him all the way to the finish line. Let’s hope that the MVP race is not effed up like LeBron’s Decision over the summer where insiders knew he was going to Miami all along. Game by game analysis is a horrible way to determine this. People should do a bi-weekly thing. One game at a time causes too much overreaction. Let the games add up, okay?
The newly minted 2011 All Star game MVP worked his way to be the star of stars. 37 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 steals are great numbers. Props to Kobe. It is back to business since All Star weekend is over. Where is Kobe in the league MVP race? Remember, this isn’t the legacy award like the All Star spots. Everyone has to put in serious work. That includes Bryant who is usually penciled in before the season started. Every great player's time fades away, too. It sucks, but that's life.
This kid and his fan base are going through the ultimate stages of trolling from other people right now. I really mean it. Derrick Rose has more haters than fans. You know what that means? Fear. He has a realistic shot in winning the damn thing. That scares people. Admit it; most of us who are in our late 20s – early 30s have never seen anything like this before. 22 years old. MVP? The hell?
Happy 2011! Let me start off by saying, “No All Star game for you, Joakim Noah.” He was on a tear averaging 14 points, 11.7 boards, 2.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks with an efficiency rating of +22.8. That is definitely All Star material. Noah has gone down with thumb surgery. He was having ligament problems. Noah usually plays through pain, but this pain became unbearable. This is a sad time for fantasy owners. Asides from Noah, there is a possible detrimental issue with The Unicorn.
I was standing in front of a food truck called “Oh For Sweet Sake” located in Orange County, California somewhere. I was enjoying some conversations with owners Lisa and Al while enjoying my hot coco and Mac N Cheese. Some guy in my fantasy league offered Derrick Rose and Anderson Varejao for Tyreke Evans and Brook Lopez. I took it because Rose is performing at an MVP level. Stats are accurate as of December 1, 2010. Thanks for the hot food, guys! That made my head clearer especially with sports conversations. Follow their Twitter - http://twitter.com/ohforsweetssake
Sources with knowledge of the Bulls free-agency plans confirmed to CSNChicago.com Friday evening that the Bulls are targeting recently waived veteran shooting guard Rip Hamilton. The organization's pursuit of the longtime Piston was first reported by the Chicago Tribune.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This was long overdue.
Once upon a time, Rip Hamilton was an All-Star two-guard for the Detroit Pistons, however, his career went sideways once the team traded Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson.
At the time, GM Joe Dumars needed stability, so he extended Hamilton with a multi- year contract for well over $30 million.
This was a mistake. A bad signing for team and player. The two-guard couldn’t handle losing, feuding with coaches, teammates, and management.
For instance, Hamilton led the Pistons in rebelling against former coach John Kuester, which included boycotting practice and laughing when the sideline boss got ejected from a game. There were other transgressions.
Years back, Hamilton should have played out his contract, hit free agency, and joined a contender as a third or fourth scoring option -like the Chicago Bulls.
Hamilton will take the scoring pressure off 2011 MVP Derrick Rose and often-injured post Carlos Boozer. He’ll also hold his own defensively.
The only problem with this signing is that it’s happening too late.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
The Bulls finally have an official legit All Star power forward. Carlos Boozer is the team’s best “back to the basket” low post scorer since Michael Jordan. That’s tragic because the drought has been 12 years. Chicago has been starving for low post stud and here he is. We still do not know Derrick Rose’s potential and the severity of Joakim Noah’s foot problems. Overall, The Bulls definitely made an answer in the 2010 offseason.
"I think that the Bulls should be very busy, they should look at Rip Hamilton who may be released from Detroit," Gill said. "Vince Carter is an older player, but still has a lot left in the tank. The Bulls need an upgrade at 2-guard, which Vince Carter can fill."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Memo to the Chicago Bulls. Don’t sign Vince Carter -even if he’s available at a low wage.
Yes, the Chicago Bulls need a scorer to take pressure off 2011 MVP Derrick Rose, however, Carter is not the answer.
The former Slam Dunk Champ’ and All-Star is no longer Half-Man, Half Amazing. The days of Kenny Smith screaming ‘it’s ova’ have passed.
Remember, Carter flopped with Orlando, and lost his starting job to the solid-but-hardly spectacular Jared Dudely in Phoenix.
So, what could Carter offer Chicago?
Well, not much. The once athletic swing is too much of a perimeter player, often refusing to attack the basket and settling for low percentage fade-aways.
The Bulls would be better off pouncing on Rip Hamilton once he’s waived by the Detroit Pistons as part of the amnesty provision in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Hamilton, provided he's happy, can score and is an upgrade over Carter on defense.
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You wouldn't believe the number of inky abominations etched into the pelts of pro ballers. I'd originally planned a simple list of the league's ten worst tats, but when my dishonourable mention section hit double digits I realised I'd need to expand the scope of the project a little. Even when I elongated the list to twenty-five terrible tattoos, I still found that I had to exclude some real atrocities. In the end it took a full fifty spots to showcase the shittiest skin art in the L.
Dear Chris Bosh,
Amar’e once said, “No doubt about it, I’m better than Chris Bosh.”
As the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls rage war in the first round of the playoffs, ABC decided to air a segment at halftime called, “The Chase down Block.”
I’m the most diehard Chicago Bulls fan on HoopsVibe so it only makes sense that I voice my opinion about the situation. Because I can.
The NCAA tournament is done for Kentucky. John Wall is thinking about the next move and that’s the leap to the League of Extraordinary Ballplayers. He is projected to be the number one pick in the 2010 NBA Draft among other standouts such as Evan Turner and DeMarcus Cousins. Many sports outlets have dubbed Wall as a “once in a generation” type player. Some have even gone to claim that “John Wall is the greatest point guard athlete ... ever.” Wow.
"...They still have to have some steady shooters from the outside to complement the penetration they have, and then (Carlos) Boozer has to have that post-up game that he was brought there to give them. They just can't be one-dimensional in that regard. They have to have those complementary pieces to assist Rose in his game."
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Phil Jackson retired last May. His mouth missed the memo.
The Zen-Master appeared on a Chicago-area radio show and declared that Bulls star and 2011 MVP Derrick Rose needed help.
It's common knowledge Rose's supporting cast must improve, especially at two-guard. The Zen-Master couldn't resist antagonizing, provoking, and causing controversy by saying that the Bulls should hang a 'Help Wanted' sign outside the stadium.
Here's the question: why would Jackson stir the pot?
Well, Jackson could be flexing his muscles. As the most successful coach in NBA history, he feels it's his duty to comment on all things NBA.
Remember, Jackson won six championships in The Windy City, so he has a connection to the team and city.
Perhaps he's keeping his name in the headlines in order to land one final coaching job before he really retires.
Chicago is unlikely. New York -with Carmelo Anthony, Amar's Stoudemire, and maybe Chris Paul - is a possibility.
One thing we do know: Jackson always has an agenda.
--Sandor.
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“It’s very sad, but everybody knows it’s not our fault,” the Chicago Bulls point guard and reigning NBA most valuable player said Saturday. “If it was up to us we’d be out there playing. I think that is wrong and I know they could easily take care of it.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: I don’t think the players or their union get it. Fault doesn’t matter. Leverage does.
Currently, the owners have leverage in negotiations and intend on using it to right and correct the league’s habit of overpaying their middle class.
The list of mistakes is long and dubious. However, three stand out:
1) Eddy Curry. The puffy post received $33 million from the New York Knicks to play in just 33 games over the last three seasons.
2) Gilbert Arenas. Despite having few suitors, an eccentric personality, and creaky knees, The Hibachi was give a six-year, $111 million contract courtesy of the Washington Wizards.
It’s worth noting this was at least $20 million more than any other team was willing to pay and Arenas claims he left money on the table with the Wizards.
3) Rashard Lewis. Most teams would like a stretch four who can produce 12-15 points per game, however, they wouldn’t want to pay him over $20 million per season.
The Orlando Magic and they got one good season for Lewis before trading him to Washington for, wait for it, Arenas.
There are dozens of other mistakes. Of course, this, like Rose says, is on the owners for misjudging talent and empowering their executives to pay players like the money was endless.
It isn’t.
The economy has changed. Many - especially in smaller, have-not markets - feel the NBA isn’t worth their disposable income, so owners must have a full scale correction.
This means a 50-50 split of Basketball Related Income. This means a re-do of system issues. And this means the pendulum swings back in favour of the owners.
Fault doesn’t matter in such a charged climate. Only leverage does. And the players, who have none, are learning this the hard way.
--O. Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
My three-point shooting has been a lot better. I’m more comfortable with it. I’m a lot stronger and a lot more confident. That’s one aspect I definitely feel comfortable with now.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: DeMar DeRozan is about to become a pick your poison player.
The Toronto Raptors swing recently told the National Post he spent his entire off-season stretching his range by developing a three-point shot.
Of course, DeRozan can get to the basket at will. He has a lightning-quick first step and is electric when attacking.
So defenders sloughed off DeRozan. They dared him to fire away from the outside, content to neutralize his tremendous athleticism and not become his next youtube victim.
According to DeRozan, this will no longer work. The South California native is confident he’ll punish sagging defenders with his three-point shot.
Improved range will help DeRozan take the next step and become an All-Star. After all, Derrick Rose spent the summer of 2010 improving his three-point shot and won MVP.
Such an exponential jump in stature won’t be the case for DeRozan as his Raptors are a work in progress. A three point shot will make him a handful for defenders, though.
--O.Sandor.
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“They met us in the Eastern Conference finals, and they were one player away from making it a very, very, very tough series,” Wade told ESPNChicago.com during an event for his “Wade’s World” charities. “Derrick Rose is evolving into a phenomenal player. You could look and see they’re one player away from being there every year.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwyane Wade thinks the Chicago Bulls aren’t far off.
Yesterday Wade declared that the Derrick Rose led Bulls are one player away from potentially beating his Miami Heat, who won the Eastern Conference championship in 2011.
Wade is correct when stating the Bulls need a shooting guard to take the offensive pressure off Rose, who too often had to create a scoring opportunity on every possession.
However, the Bulls' options could be limited by the new collective bargaining agreement, which would make it difficult, if not impossible, for an upgrade.
The club already has $61.5 million in guaranteed salary for 2011-12. They only have eleven players on the roster.
Now suppose the owners get their hard cap with no exceptions or loop holes.The Bulls will have to look in-house for another scorer, which means getting greater production from the highly paid Carlos Boozer.
Yes, Boozer. Remember him?
Boozer sustained a freak injury in training camp, missed significant parts of the regular season, and found himself on the bench for parts of the Bulls' playoff run.
Boozer has four years and $60 million left on his contract. No contender can get such weak production from such a big-ticket.
The Bulls will likely have little or no money for free agents. And Boozer may have to be the difference-maker Wade speaks of.
--Oly Sandor.
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DR: It was great but I’m not satisfied. I won’t be satisfied until I win a championship. I’m not satisfied at all. There’s not a doubt in my mind that I’m not going to win a championship. I’m going win multiple championships. It’s not a doubt in my mind.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It's not the same. Not even close.
In an interview with Hoopshype, Derrick Rose, the 2011 MVP and rising superstar for the Chicago Bulls, admitted he wants to win multiple championships.
Such a declaration should sound familiar. LeBron James was, and still gets, roasted for making a similar statement last summer after taking his talent to South Beach.
There's a difference between Rose and James, though.
Rose was talking about what he wanted to achieve in his career, which is fair. All players, especially the creme de la creme of the NBA, should have lofty goals.
James, however, was acting like he already won multiple championships when he boasted to fans at the Heat's pre-emptive victory parade. The glitter, glitz, and hype of that July day in 2010 was as grand as the L.A. Lakers' championship parade a month earlier in June.
Of course, the Heat hadn't won a thing yet -and wouldn't win a thing, losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.
So, put the daggers down. Rose's comments pass the smell test, while James is struggling to move past last July's blunders.
--Oly Sandor.
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With the Lakersshowing more signs that their basketball mileage is catching up with them, they need to inject speed into their lineup. And with Mike Brown planning to abandon most of the triangle offense, they need a solid point guard. ... [Chris Paul] has the edge over [Deron Williams] because of his youth (26) and uncanny speed.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: With the 2012 season in limbo, many have turned to speculating on next year’s free agent class.
One rumour keeps making the rounds: Chris Paul walks on the New Orleans Hornets to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers next July.
Before you roll your eyes at the new Collective Bargaining Agreement for not fixing the migration of stars to big markets, recognize that this makes sense for Paul.
The Lakers will have financial flexibility. They have $67 million in committed salary for the 2012-13 season, but the club holds options on $25 million for Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom.
While they won’t walk on Bynum, the purple-and-gold will gladly bolt on the final $8 million on Odom’s pact. There are other ways to trim salary.
Regardless of the system - hard or soft cap - the Lakers will be able to make a competitive offer for Paul.
New coach Mike Brown will replace the Triple-Post with a drive-and-kick system that relies on the point guard penetrating and running pick-and-rolls.
Sounds perfect for Paul, right?
The New Orleans Hornets can’t afford Paul. The league owns the team and the city can't generate enough revenue to pay for a top supporting cast.
So it’s generally accepted that Paul will leave New Orleans and join Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire in New York.
Not so fast.
Last I checked the Knicks played in the Eastern Conference. Each year, Paul would have to go through Miami’s Three Kings to reach the NBA Finals.
And when the Heat have a down year, Paul would likely face 2010 MVP Derrick Rose and his upstart Chicago Bulls. The Bulls, with their air-tight defense, are no pushovers.
So Paul’s best bet at championship glory may be out west with the Lakers.
--Oly Sandor.
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"I haven't stopped working out really since May," Griffin said. "It's been every day, sneaking it in whenever I can." Griffin says it's frustrating for him to think that the NBA games may be interrupted after his first season playing in the league. Griffin missed all of the 2009-10 season with a broken kneecap after he had been the No. 1 draft pick out of Oklahoma. "Now my first three seasons, I could play 82 games," Griffin said. "So, we'll see what happens."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Last year was overwhelmingly positive for the NBA.
The sporting world was galvanized by Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James joining forces and becoming the ‘Heatles’ in Miami.
Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd’s hard work was rewarded with an NBA championship, guaranteeing both immediate entry into the Hall of Fame when they retire.
Derrick Rose won the MVP award, leading the Chicago Bulls to the league’s best regular season record and a place in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder took another step winning two playoff series before falling to Nowitzki and Kidd’s Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals.
The Memphis Grizzlies made the playoffs and upset the San Antonio Spurs. After years of futility, the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers were relevant and entertaining.
There are other storylines I’m missing.
For instance, high on this list is the emergence of Blake Griffin, whose aerial antics reminded the world there’s a professional basketball squad in Los Angeles not called the Lakers.
(And this squad, the Clippers, can compete and delight despite being owned by the twisted and incompetent Donald Sterling.)
Suppose there’s a lockout. One that wipes out the entire season. Griffin, who missed 2009 with injury, will have played just eighty-two games in his first three seasons.
Fans would have to wait a year to see Griffin assault the rim. Fans would have to wonder what Griffin would do to defend his crown at the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest. And fans, the purists, would have to wait a year to see Griffin’s above average passing and skill-set develop.
This is tragic. And just another thing Commissioner David Stern, the owners, Union Head Billy Hunter, and the players are risking with their posturing and rhetoric.
I hope they know what they’re doing. Griffin missing another year should be a last resort.
--Oly Sandor.
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Who needs a million dollar a month salary from Turkish club Beskitas?
Well, not Kobe Bryant.
Right now, 'Black Mamba' is flying the globe, playing in exhibition contests, furthering his brand, and, it seems, having fun. Click the video and watch Bryant toss a one-handed ‘oop’ to 2011 MVP Derrick Rose.
--Oly Sandor.
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LeBron James and Dwyane Wade admitted they strongly considered signing with the Bulls. "It was two mornings," Wade said at Friday's practice of waking up during the summer of 2010 envisioning himself with Chicago. "I definitely had one or two mornings where I woke up thinking I'd be a Bull too, but ultimately I decided to come here," James said.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Tim Hardaway would’ve been proud of Derrick Rose’s crossover.
The 2011 MVP embarrassed the Atlanta Hawks’ Jeff Teague on the perimeter, drove the lane aggressively, and threw down a powerful two-handed jam.
Oh yeah, he also dropped 44 points in the Chicago Bulls game three victory over the Hawks.
Watch the clip below and get at us with thoughts on D-Rose’s killa’ crossover.
--Oly Sandor.
Bulls guard Derrick Rose is the youngest MVP award-winner in the history of the NBA, according to a source familiar with the situation. The 22-year-old Rose was widely expected to win the award after leading the Bulls to a 62-20 record and No. 1 seed in the playoffs, according to an ESPN.com report on Monday.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This has yet to be confirmed or made official, but it appears Derrick Rose is the 2011 MVP.
Well, let the debate begin, or continue, in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
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Not many are giving the Hawks much of a chance against Chicago in the second round, but they’re definitely the funnier of the two teams in the matchup. Their PR man, Arthur Triche, explains the Jameer Nelson diss via Twitter: “Things that make me happy about this job. Taking a page out of Jerry Glanville’s book, I think I’ll follow through on Jameer’s request to catch Derrick Rose in the 2nd round.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Congratulations to the Atlanta Hawks for handling Jameer Nelson.
They didn’t overreact or spout off when the diminutive point guard pulled a Babe Ruth and called his team’s shot by telling the Chicago Bulls to prepare for a second round match-up.
They simply outplayed the heavily favoured Orlando Magic, eliminating the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference in six games.
The Hawks would’ve been forgiven for boasting. After all, Nelson wasn’t the only doubter, as many expected Nelson, Dwight Howard, and the Magic to advance to the second round.
Clearly, they were wrong.
The Hawks exposed the Magic’s lack of a supporting cast, essentially turning the 2009 Eastern Conference champions into a one-player pony.
Even now they have little to say, though. The Hawks’ actions are speaking louder than their words. And leaving Nelson tickets for their second round duel with the Bulls is perfect.
What else is there to say?
--Oly Sandor.
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"We have the rules; you have to go straight up," Pacers forward Danny Granger said. "You can't go forward or to the side. Twenty-one free throws, that's a lot of free throws. We have to figure out a way to keep him out of the lane."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Indiana Pacers have to deal with it. Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls’ franchise face and favorite to win the regular season MVP, will get to the line.
Rose will get to the line for two reasons. First, he does a sensational job penetrating and drawing contact. Second, he’s a superstar. Like it or not, refs favor superstars.
This is, after all, the NBA, where league head office protects elite talent like Greenpeace protects endangered species. Right or wrong, the zebras will give Rose the benefit of any doubt.
Instead of being frustrated at Rose’s 21 free throws in game one, the Pacers should be frustrated at themselves. They blew a fourth quarter lead, and should have stolen home-court advantage with a road win.
The Bulls will settle their nerves. Carlos Boozer will be better. Coach Tom Thibodeau will hit the video room and work out the kinks on defense.
In short, the Bulls will adjust in game two. The Pacers would be wise to forget Rose and do the same.
--Oly Sandor.
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Last night, the Chicago Bulls made a statement by beating the Boston Celtics. And Derrick Rose made a statement with his play, specifically when he caught Rajon Rondo off guard with an incredible fake.
--Oly Sandor.
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With Perkins gone, everything changed for the Celtics and they knew it: the toughness, the tenacity, the presence in the post. “He was tough,” Rose said. “We could defend on someone that was big. He was really tough to go around. … They’re different.”
Different doesn’t mean better. It means diminished. The Bulls beat the Celtics 44-22 in the paint, beat them badly on the boards, too. They assailed the Celtics the way the Celtics used to assail everyone else. “We know we can beat them,” Rose flatly said.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Last night was the proof. It was the smoking gun, the bloody glove, and weapon of mass destruction all in one.
The Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls, two of the Eastern Conference’s premier teams, are moving in different directions. The Celtics are stumbling; the Bulls are soaring.
No other conclusion can be drawn from the Bulls’ decisive victory on Thursday in front of a national audience. The difference at point guard says everything.
After all, these teams live and die by their point guards, All-Star Rajon Rondo and MVP candidate Derrick Rose. As Rondo and Rose go, so goes the Celts’ and Bulls.
Rose soared last night, notching 30 points, 8 assists, and limiting Rondo’s effectiveness. There’s no longer any doubt he’s MVP worthy. His play clinched it.
Best of all, Rose spoke publicly of no longer fearing the Celtics, especially since they dealt defensive five Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Jeff Green.
Conversely, Rondo struggled. Mightily.
After getting outplayed, the Celtics’ floor general expressed doubt about his club’s ability to flip a switch ala 2010. He then requested a meeting with his coach, Glen ‘Doc’ Rivers.
Of course, the Celtics surprised everyone with last year's run. Repeating such heroics seems unlikely –if their point guard and best player doesn’t believe.
--Oly Sandor.
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“I think Derrick Rose,” James said. “What he’s done for that team, with all the injuries they have and them being first in the Eastern Conference. They’re playing some really good basketball.” James said he was leaning toward Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki until he was injured.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: One candidate conceded defeat. Well, sort of.
The majority of hoop-heads have Miami Heat superstar LeBron James on their list of contenders for Most Valuable Player. He was hardly the front-runner, though.
Today, James threw his support behind the acknowledged front-runner Derrick Rose, who suits up for the Eastern Conference leading Chicago Bulls.
This is interesting for two reasons. First, there were whispers James and Rose didn’t click, which supposedly influenced The King to pass on Chicago and take his 'talents to South Beach’ last summer.
There is, at a minimum, a professional respect. Many will wonder what could have been if James had signed in The Windy City.
Second, the Heat and Bulls are rivals. Both are young; both have a trio of stars; both will battle for the Eastern Conference crown and NBA championships for years to come.
Yet, James still picked Rose for MVP. There was no agenda. There were no Phil Jackson mind games being played; just a tip of his cap -Yankee blue, of course- to Rose’s fine play.
Hopefully, this seals the award for Rose, who has been recognized by fans, media, and now his peers.
--Oly Sandor.
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Howard posts up, shoots 60 percent from the field, blocks 2.43 shots per game, pulls down 14.3 rebounds. Practically perfect, except for occasional problems -- aside from Wednesday night -- at the foul line. "The MVP of the league," said Ewing, the last dominant center around here and an Orlando assistant. "Everybody's talking about Derrick Rose, but they need to start putting Dwight there, too. Without him, who knows where we'd be?"
When it came to talking about the past, the two had a lot of worthwhile stuff to say. When it came to the present and future, Jordan, owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, had this to say about the Bulls: “You guys are in store for a lot of other championships. If you look at this team tonight…don’t be suprised if you have six more coming.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Let’s translate the hyperbole. Michael Jordan is absolutely right.
The Chicago Bulls –not the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, or Orlando Magic- may in fact be the best team in the Eastern Conference. (They will not win another six championships with this group of players.)
There are two reasons for this. First, the Bulls have Derrick Rose, who through the first sixty games of the season is the consensus league MVP.
Rose’s game has evolved in 2011 because of his extended range, which has made him a pick-your-poison, unstoppable force. He could always blow by overzealous defenders, but now he also punishes defenders who sag with his improved jump shot.
Second, the Bulls are getting stops. Hiring Tom Thibodeau, the former defensive guru for Doc Rivers and the Boston Celtics, has made all the difference in their own end.
Don’t be surprised if His Airness’ former team is the one to survive the Eastern Conference and advance to the NBA Finals.
--Oly Sandor.
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James, who eventually signed with the Heat as a free agent, was being courted by the Bulls, among other teams. In a Sports Illustrated article, Rose revealed that he sent James a text message saying: "I'm just hitting you up to kill all the rumors that I don't want to play with you. I'd like to play with you. I just want to win."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Derrick Rose can claim he was open to playing with LeBron James; however, he didn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat last summer for The King.
If Rose was truly interested in partnering with James he would’ve played a greater role in recruiting the game’s best player.
For example, he would’ve flown to Cleveland and been part of the recruiting mission. Or at a minimum, he would’ve taken the time to speak to James.
Sending a four sentence text message is a cop-out, especially when you consider that James is used to being worshipped, adored, and fawned over.
Then there’s Rose’s choice of words. He used ‘like’, a somewhat indifferent and understated term. Other players and teams would have ‘loved’ to have had James.
In the end, Rose’s efforts wouldn’t have much mattered, though. James was determined to take his 'talent to South Beach'.
--Oly Sandor.
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Today, the NBA announced their starting line-up for the February 20th All-Star game in Los Angeles.
Of course, the fans vote in the starters. And the Western and Eastern Conference’s line-ups are filled with the usual suspects. Check out the list below and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.
Western Conference:
G Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
G Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
C Yao Ming, Houston Rockets
Eastern Conference:
G Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
G Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
F LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
F Amar'e Stoudemire, New York Knicks
C Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
--Oly Sandor
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The block was nice. The autograph was better.
What am I talking about? Well, click the link, and watch Washington Wizards post Javale McGee reject Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose and then sign the ball.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Another player the Nuggets will likely move is shooting guard J.R. Smith, who has drawn interest from the Chicago Bulls.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: 30 teams love his talent and hate his attitude.
Of course, we’re referring to J.R. Smith, the skilled but outlandish two-guard for the Denver Nuggets.
Smith can play: he can sink the three-pointer with ease; he can attack the basket and poster-job opponents; and he can involve others with his passing.
He can also alienate with his attitude. For instance, Smith and Denver Coach George Karl don’t talk. Assistant coaches have acted as go-betweens for several years.
An opposing GM might be tempted to deal for Smith before the February trade deadline. He has toned down his antics and recently set the viral world ablaze with last week’s facial on Gary Neal.
Best of all, Smith’s $6 million per year comes off the books July 1st, so there’s little risk. His expiring contract will provide financial flexibility whenever the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is settled.
Enter the Chicago Bulls. They could use a little more offensive punch, especially with Carlos Boozer struggling to find his form after a pre-season injury.
The hold-up is Carmelo Anthony. The ‘Melo-drama’ is complicated and Smith’s contract may be needed to complete any trade with the New Jersey Nets or New York Knicks.
Bottom line: Smith’s future in Denver is uncertain.
--Oly Sandor.
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After the anticipated lockout ends, Howard will be entering the final year of his contract followed by an early-termination option for 2012-13.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: What happens in Orlando if Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson, and Hedo Turkoglu fail to appease Dwight Howard?
Expect Howard to become a free agent following the 2012 season by exercising a player’s option. He’ll then look to partner with fellow free agent superstars like Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, and Deron Williams.
Gatorade Slam Dunk Contests, pearly white smiles, and jokes aside, Howard wants to win. He’s envious of the Three Kings in Miami and Big Four in Boston.
If the Magic can’t provide the right supporting cast, Howard will provide it for himself -even if that means leaving.
--Oly Sandor.
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Even the other team’s fans went nuts.
Last week Derrick Rose crossed-over Tyreke Evans with such ferocity that Sacramento Kings fans couldn’t help gasping.
Their collective gasp is being replayed over-and-over again on youtube and internet highlight reels. Check out the clip and get at us with thoughts on Rose breaking Evans’ ankles.
--Oly Sandor.
"It was great to practice every day against the best young talent in the league, a veteran like Chauncey Billups and play for a Hall of Fame coach [Mike Krzyzewski]," Rondo said. "But some of these guys hadn't played since April. Lamar [Odom] and I had just got out of Game 7. And next season is right around the corner. I feel like I had to take advantage of the opportunity I have right now to win another championship. It's not often you get to play with four Hall of Famers. Another couple of years and I won't have that."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s hard to criticize Rajon Rondo’s decision to step away from Team USA.
Rondo hadn’t recovered from the Boston Celtics’ crushing seven-game loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. He was drained and needed rest.
The emerging table-setter understands the championship window is closing on the green-and-white. Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce – also known as The Big Three - are hitting the end of their careers.
Rondo knows he needs to be at full strength in 2011 and 2012 because opportunities to win championships are rare. Playing in the World Championship would be tiring.
Fortunately, Stars and Stripes had talented floor leaders in Chauncey Billups, Stephen Curry, Eric Gordon, Derrick Rose, and Russell Westbrook. His departure wasn’t an issue and, in fact, eased the log-jam at point guard.
Rondo’s choice may be a win-win for all involved.
--Oly Sandor.
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It's not my call. That's on them," Jennings said. "But if you want to get technical about it and you really want to look at it, half of the guys there are Nike guys. I'm not saying it's a Nike thing, but Nike is kind of running a lot of things right now. To have a guy like myself on the USA team that's flashy and really outgoing, you don't want Under Armour to get all that [publicity]. "I'm just telling you how it is."
The Chicago Bulls are interested in trading for the Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony, a league source told ESPNChicago.com on Thursday.
And while the source said that the team is holding internal discussions as to whether the Bulls would allow Joakim Noah to be part of any deal, Chicago has not reached a consensus. Another source close to the situation told ESPNChicago.com's Nick Friedell that Noah would not be part of an Anthony deal.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Chemistry trumps talent.
The Chicago Bulls should remember this theory when pursuing disgruntled Denver Nuggets’ star Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony is talented. He’s a natural scorer, capable of dropping 25 points on opposing defences while barely breaking a sweat. And his panache, and style is marketable.
Adding a dominant player and personality like Anthony is also a risk. His need for touches and shots changes the chemistry and dynamics of any team he suits up for.
For instance, the Nuggets may hold out for Joakim Noah as compensation for Anthony. Losing Noah, their defensive anchor and gritty post, would change the Bulls’ identity.
Then there’s Carlos Boozer. Anthony’s score-first approach would impact Boozer, the club’s free agent signing this summer. Boozer is no longer a blue-collar big –like when he suited up for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Like Anthony, he needs touches and shots.
Of course, the Bulls are Derrick Rose’s team. He’s the franchise face and first option. Initially, Anthony would have to defer to the third year point guard.
Is this something he would do? Is this something he can do?
Anthony has always been The Man. He might be reluctant to play second fiddle –even if it meant a long-term extension, playing in a major market, and suiting up for a competitive team.
So the Bulls are interested in Anthony’s talent. Fair enough. They should consider if he`s worth altering, or compromising, their chemistry.
--Oly Sandor.
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"Fear them (the Heat)? No. If anything, you want to play them. As a ballplayer, you want to play against the best. I know my team is ready to play."
Link
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Too often, the NBA resembles a friendly, afternoon pick-up run. Players hug before games. Players exchange pounds. And players laugh and smile.
It seems their union brotherhood takes precedence over winning the game, series, or championship, and it’s enough to make the league’s older generations burn their Chuck Taylors and Converse Weapons in disgust.
Bottom line: the NBA, like sports, needs rivalries, conflict, and heroes and villains.
So, point guard Derrick Rose’s comments are refreshing. He wants the Miami Heat. He wants Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade. He wants ‘the best’.
Perhaps, he’s offended The Three Kings passed on signing with the Chicago Bulls this off-season as free agents. Perhaps, he’s competitive. Perhaps, it’s a bit of both.
Chicago-Miami was already must-see television this year. And Rose’s comments are only adding fuel to the fire. Chances are, there won’t be too many hugs, pounds, or smiles when these powers finally meet.
And the NBA will be better for it.
--Oly Sandor.
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